The essential relationship between humans and animals assumes many cultural forms throughout the world and is a dominant theme in the discourse of contemporary art, particularly in Indonesia.

Indonesia’s cultural history prior to the period of colonialism is rooted in animism and shamanism, in which myths about humans and animals flourished and were embraced in a civilization that was influenced by many beliefs and religions. The meanings of these mythological human/animal hybrids that often assumed roles as trusted protectors, gods, and vehicles for humans, and the animals that are venerated by humans, and the humans who imitated animals, have often undergone changes over time. Some of these figures have become used as symbols of critical commentary of the social and political life in contemporary Indonesia. The Art Exhibition BEASTLY 2011 (tentative) will present the works of three generations (80s, 90s and 2000s) of artists who use their media to express idioms that illustrate the relationships between humans and animals throughout history. The variety of these artists’ works demonstrates the general phenomenon of how these concepts are visualized with humor, thus opening alternative spaces for new unique meanings regarding the relationships between humans and animals.

This exhibition also features articles by Heru Hikayat, which was the inspiration leading to this appreciation of the relationship between humans and animals.

This exhibition designed by Cemeti Art House will be opened on Thursday, July 7, 2011, and be open until July 30, 2011.